September 20 - Haggai: Stingy Blessings for God's Stingy People

Today’s Reading: Haggai

The Message

English Standard Version

Haggai brings us to 33 books read and only 6 left to go! We are also 10 days away from finishing the Old Testament! Keep going!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Now we read what prompted Israel to restart Temple construction.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God's Message through Haggai:
"My Chosen People live in fully-repaired houses while My House is in ruins. Honor Me more than yourselves."
Zerubbabel and Joshua (Jeshua) listened and led the reconstruction efforts. "I am with you!" God replied.
The next month God reminded everyone to work because He was with them. God would punish the godless nations and bless His Chosen People. The Temple would be more glorious than before.
Two months later, God added, "You still drag your feet at building My Temple.
"I am about to turn the world upside-down. Then Zerubbabel will have My Authority to rule."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Israel's discouragement outweighed their trust in God.

Yesterday we read how Israel endured 15 years of harassment from their enemies. Their enemies went so far as to write a letter to the king telling him Israel would rebel once the Temple was built. At that point they were barred from construction. Israel decided to go the easier route—give up on the Temple and focus on their personal lives. Unfortunately, discouragement is no excuse for not trusting God to set things right. God told them if they worked for Him, He would bless them. God would fill the Temple if they built it.
Yesterday I mentioned how Christians have a difficult time overcoming our enemies and discouragement. Some cannot stand the harassment and decide to stay home and focus on their own spiritual lives. Religion becomes a personal issue—just don't ask. Just like Israel could not stay home and live in their nice houses, we cannot stay home and tend to our spiritual houses. We must help to build God's Bride. (We'll read that metaphor in the New Testament.) Trust in God—He will set things right, even if our enemies resist.

God prevented Israel from flourishing because they were unwilling to obey Him.

God dried up the land and prevented Israel from bountiful crops because they would not rebuild His Temple—what they were commissioned to do by both He and King Cyrus. They worked and worked in their fields but received little. When they returned to Him and built the Temple, God blessed the land again. God is stingy with us when we are stingy with Him.
Many would think the only application of this principle Christians would mention is money. However, the Temple was rebuilt using Babylonian and Persian funds, not Israelite funds. God does not want them to give of their money. God wants them to give of their time. When we give God only scraps of our time, God only gives us scraps of blessings. Think about this: on Sunday, do you complain if worship goes longer than an hour? If someone wanted to talk about God on a Tuesday afternoon, would you feel put-out? Could this be a reason churches are not growing? When we give of ourselves to God, God fills His House.

Zerubbabel and Joshua were blessed for leading the construction.

Zerubbabel would become the next leader of Israel. Joshua (Jeshua is an alternate spelling of Joshua or Yeshua, meaning "God saves") would become High Priest. God blesses those who lead in setting things right.

Hearts that are halfway dedicated to God are not dedicated to God.

God gives two interesting analogies. First, something holy does not transfer holiness by touch. Second, something holy loses its holiness when it touches something unclean. From the first He wanted Israel to understand that being near something holy is not the same as being wholly for God. With the second, holiness is either complete or not there. There is no half-holy. Israel could not get by with being "near" the Temple and not set things right. They must be fully invested in God setting things right.
For us, being part of a church does not guarantee holiness. The purpose of a group of Chosen People getting together is to help each other be wholly for God. Showing up, not talking to anyone, and then leaving as soon as you can does not help you or anyone else develop holiness. Show up, participate, and help others while they help you.
We cannot accept half-holiness. Half-holiness means doing the right thing when it helps you but not when it inconveniences you. God is willing to show His full Holiness, we should be willing to be fully and wholly for God setting all things right on the earth. Be fully for God!

Are you using your discouragement to be stingy with setting all things right?

September 6 - Ezekiel 32-34: God vs. Egypt, Silent Watchmen, and Israel's Shepherds

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 32-34

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Ezekiel cannot sit and watch God's warnings come true. He must act or be held accountable for Israel's punishment.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

"Babylon will lead a nation of brutes to destroy Egypt. Egypt will be buried without honors."
"Ezekiel, a silent watchman pays for spilled blood. Tell Israel each person will be judged on how they live.
"Israel thinks they deserve land because they come from Abraham. How absurd. They must realize I make that decision.
"Ezekiel, prophesy doom to the shepherds of Israel who scatter My Sheep. They're fired! I will shepherd My Sheep and separate the sheep from the goats. The strong sheep will no longer wreak havoc on the weaker sheep. Then they will know I am God."

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Nations who think more highly of themselves than they ought crash.

Today's first chapter finishes the part brought up in yesterday's reading. God does not rejoice over Egypt's downfall. He laments. The reason Egypt, Assyria, Edom, and Meshech-tubal were destroyed was because their pride took control and made them believe they were greater than they really were. They experienced success that went to their head. Beware success—it may lead to the fatal idea that you are self-sufficient.
Unfortunately, Israel was not immune to this pride. They believed their ethnic identity guaranteed possession of Canaan. What they did not understand is God's Blessings come to those who set things right, not those who live under the Promise of Abraham. Silly Israel. It's a good thing we do not think like this.
Okay, so we do. How many people do we know who go through the motions (or fail to worship God at all) simply because they have been baptized and feel entitled to God's blessings? We are not guaranteed God's Blessings because we are one of God's Chosen People. We are guaranteed God's Blessings when we submit ourselves to His Way and set things right!

Watchmen who do not speak are held accountable.

This is the second time God used the image of a watchman to remind Ezekiel of his job. God tells His Chosen Messenger to warn Israel and Judah of their coming punishment. If they would not listen to him, their blood would be on their heads. If he did not tell them, their blood would be on his head. If you have a person within your sphere of influence whom you do not warn that their actions would bring punishment you will be held responsible. Remember, this is not about convincing them to change; it is about warning them of punishment to come.

God does not enjoy punishing the wicked.

Although I mentioned this earlier, I believe this point is important enough to repeat. God wants everyone to set things right. Because God wants to set all things right, He will respond in-kind. A good person who sins will be punished. A bad person who sets things right will be rewarded. If we cannot get our heads around that, we will miss God's entire Message throughout Scripture.

God would punish Israel's shepherds.

God's anger against Israel's shepherds comes as a result of their unwillingness to promote righteousness and their willingness to oppress others. They were unwilling to do what God called them to do and therefore God would punish them. Leaders are responsible for setting the proper example of setting things right.

God would become Israel's Shepherd.

God would go after them. God would rescue them. God would bring them home. God would feed them. God would protect them from predators. God would not allow the strong to bully the weak. If God wants to set all things right and leaders set the example most people follow, God will be the leader to set an example of setting all things right. God wants to be our Shepherd and set things right in our flock.

Do you want God to be your shepherd?

May 31 - 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72: Solomon Asks for God's Wisdom to Set All Things Right

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

The Message

English Standard Version

Today marks five months and 150 days of reading the Bible through in a year! Keep going, you're almost halfway.

Today we begin reading 2 Chronicles. It will lead us through the life of Solomon, the split kingdom, Israel's downfall, and Jerusalem's eventual destruction. Since it chronicles similar events to the books of 1 and 2 Kings (along with several of the prophets) it will take almost three months to finish it.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God blesses Solomon with all of the perks of setting things right because he asked for the wisdom to set all things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon arranged peace with Pharaoh. He sacrificed 1000 animals to God. That night, God informed Solomon he would receive anything he asked. Humbled by his position, he asked for God's wisdom. God granted it.
Two prostitutes fought over a child. Solomon suggested splitting the child in half. The real mother willingly gave up her claim to save him, so Solomon gave the boy to her. Everyone in Israel stood in amazement at Solomon's wisdom.
Solomon's house and city were filled with people and great riches. Solomon's wisdom surpassed that of any sage from any place in the world. Trade flourished.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 72

In this Solomon psalm, he writes in honor of his request given to God. He asks for wisdom, protection for the poor, and justice to tyrants. The enemies of God will fall because God will help all people. May God live and never be forgotten! Blessed is God! Yes!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God chose the best son of David.

David's sons are not known for being very moral people. One son raped his sister and two sons stole his throne before he died. Solomon, however, is completely different. He is so humbled by his position of authority that he wants God's help to rule. When God chooses a leader, He has chosen the best.

Solomon asked for the wisdom to set all things right. So God gave him the perks of setting things right.

Solomon's request was for a higher blessing because the other blessings would have set some things right but only for a short time. Instead, Solomon wanted to set all things right:

Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people? (1 Kings 3:9, The Message)

Ask God for blessings that will set all things right.
All of the other blessings of money, wealth, fame, the doom of his enemies, and long life were given to Solomon because they are the result of setting things right. They may not be universal or the only things you receive when you set things right; nonetheless, the troubles that you receive when you set things right pale in comparison in the end. When we set things right, we will receive fame, fortune, long life, and the downfall of our enemies.

Solomon's decision in the dispute between the two prostitutes set things right.

What at first may seem a barbarous act, cutting a child in half, in reality was the decision that set things right. The true mother was willing to give up her claim on the boy to save his life. Because of her willingness to sacrifice herself instead of her son, Solomon settled the dispute in the right way—reuniting mother and son. In any dispute, seek the decision that will set things right—even if it may be strange or counterintuitive.

Solomon was greatly blessed by God.

God promised Israel that if they gave to the poor He would bless them to the point that

there would be no poor among them. Because of Solomon's great wisdom and humility God's blessing came true—the city became so blessed by God that there were virtually no poor people in the city. When God's People seek God's wisdom and act upon it, there will be no needy people among them.

All of the world will fall down and worship God because of His greatness.

Kings far and famous, rich and powerful, polytheists and atheists will worship because they see God's great works,

Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
   the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
   he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
   when they bleed, he bleeds;
   when they die, he dies. (72:12-14, The Message) 

The greatest part is that this god is our god! How blessed is God, our god! All earth shows His Glory! Yes!

What would you ask for if God were willing to grant anything you asked?

April 30 - Psalms 102-104: O My Soul, Bless God!

Today’s Reading: Psalms 102-104

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You have now made it through 4 months of reading through the Bible in a year! That's 1/3 of the way! Keep it up!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God sustains life; without God nothing can survive!

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 102

A cry for God, "Don't forget me! Help! I am almost gone because of my troubles. But you are compassionate and will help. You will bless your child."

Psalm 103

David praises God from the bottom of his soul. God sets everything right. He forgives His Chosen People. He keeps his delicate children alive. His throne is over all of us forever! Bless God!

Psalm 104

The author glorifies God for how wonderful He is. He has blessed His Chosen People bountifully with animals, grain, and water. God controls nature and keeps it away from His people until they are safe in their beds at night. What a wonderful world—all of it shows His works! Bless God!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Even when we are in great pain, God is still sovereign.

We must remember that pain does not weaken God's reign over the earth. Pain came because of Eve and Adam's sin not because God was negligent to stop it. In times of great pain, God continues to be sovereign over the earth.

God makes everything come out right.

We have to cautiously discuss this issue. Often this idea gets confused with "God makes everything come out the way we want it to." That is why David continues to proclaim that God's way is higher than our way. God makes everything come out right in the end—even when we may think it isn't in the short run.

God has taken our sins as far away as possible.

I love that simile, "as far as the east is from the west, / so far does he remove our transgressions from us" (103:12, English Standard Version). There is no place where "going east" becomes "going west." Travelling north becomes travelling south when you cross the North/South poles. But travel east and you will never stop. That's where God took our sins. God sets things right within us by taking our sin and guilt far, far away!

God feels for us as a parent feels for his/her child.

I'm a new father. My son and I are bonding. God loves me as I love my son. How cool is that. This is why He wants to set all things right for us. God sets all things right in the earth for His Children—us!

God reigns over the entire world!

Humans may be the caretakers of the earth, but God is the one who reigns over it all! Psalm 104 gives a great exposition of this great truth. Praise God for caring enough to care for his creation!

O my soul, bless God!

March 26 - Joshua 12-15: Conquered Canaan is Parceled Out (Part 1 of 3)

Today’s Reading: Joshua 12-15

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading begins three days of Israel allocating the land to each tribe. Unless you really like saying words in Hebrew, try not to say them in your head. There are also several lists. Scan through these areas if you are getting bogged down.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Caleb gets his due reward.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel defeated thirty-one kings so far.
God told Joshua that although he was old he had lots of land to conquer. God listed it and told Joshua to go.
The land that had been conquered already was allotted to several of the tribes according to their size. The Levites did not receive an inheritance, since the sacrifices of the other tribes would be theirs.
Caleb, now 85-years-old and as strong as ever, received land and drove out its inhabitants. He gave two springs and his daughter to the conqueror of a difficult foe.
The Jebusites lived in Jerusalem among Judah.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

These chapters are included for the generations after the conquest to know how to return the land in the Jubilee.

God's Law stated that the land would return to the original families at the Jubilee. Therefore, a list of who received what was essential to know how to return the land. (Foreshadowing—Israel never obeys the Jubilee commands.)

Joshua and Caleb received a long life because they trusted God to set all things right.

Joshua and Caleb trusted that God could bring them into Canaan the first time Israel came to the Jordan  Both escaped punishment. Joshua's life would be prolonged until the conquest was over. Caleb's was prolonged so he could receive land and conquer it as well. God rewards those who have faith that He will set all things right on the Earth.
This does not mean that Christians will have their lives prolonged or that a person who dies young was a sinner. It does mean we should expect a blessing when we trust that God is setting all things right, an unearned but graciously-received blessing from God.

Not all of the people in Canaan were driven out.

We will read in Judges why Judah could not drive out the Jebusites. However, what is important to see here is that the Hivites at Gibeon and the Jebusites were still in the land. This will come up again in future readings.

Be strong and courageous!

March 14 - Deuteronomy 8-10: Moses Reminds Israel of Why God is Worthy of Obedience

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 8-10

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Moses is reminding Israel of the God they serve and why God should be obeyed—and that they had not done a great job so far.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Moses reminded Israel of why God was worthy of being obeyed. He fed them in the wilderness when they were hungry—so they would learn to live by faith. The land they would receive would be ready for a great harvest. Moses warned them not to forget God when they had an easy life because their work was not the cause of their improved life.
Moses also reminded the people of their rebellion at Sinai and that he had to talk God out of destroying them.
He reminded them of the basics of obeying God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God gave the Israel manna in the wilderness to help them learn dependency on Him.

God reminds the people that they received food in the wilderness because God wanted them to depend on Him. God took care of them and became the reason they survived. We should not concern ourselves with the physical alone. We should live dependent on God. When we depend on God for our spiritual needs our physical needs will be taken care of.

Prosperity brings laziness and temptation to leave our (w)holiness.

Moses' words are once again adamant—God will give you this land not because of you but because of Him. God did not make a promise with you; God made a promise with our ancestors. You are the benefactors of generations who obeyed God. In fact, the truth is the opposite; Israel would receive Canaan because the inhabitants of Canaan would not obey God. Moses cries, "Do not mess up that long line of God-worshippers!" We do not receive our blessings because of our righteousness. We receive our blessings because of the righteousness of our ancestors (either physical or spiritual) and the wickedness of our enemies.
This is why I detest arguments that the USA is prosperous because we are somehow more righteous that the world. No. We are prosperous because our ancestors escaped Europe to worship God. God gave them this land because of it. Our blessings are not proportional to our righteousness. Our blessings are proportional to our ancestor's righteousness. We struggle to obey God because we are wildly blessed by God and have forgotten to pass on the source of our blessings.

Moses reminded Israel of their penchant for rebelliousness.

Two readings ago Moses reminded the people that God spoke to them. Within two months of that encounter they gave up on Moses and their God and created an idol-god. Humans are fickle. We are prone to leave God the moment we don't see Him working. This is why we must have God's words written everywhere, including our heart! Out of sight, out of mind. That could very well have been coined because of these people.

Moses reminds Israel to take care of orphans and widows and to protect foreigners.

God will not let this go. This is why God is our praise! He took us out of slavery! He gave us everything we needed to survive! He gave us a land ready for a great harvest! This is why God is worthy to be obeyed! God is worthy of our praise, loyalty, and obedience because His love was made real!

February 25 - Numbers 5-6: God Protects Women and Blesses His Chosen Nation

Today’s Reading: Numbers 5-6

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

A man's word is not worth more to God than a woman's word.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God told Moses to enact the law on lepers and unclean people.
God provided a test for a woman's adultery. The jealous husband would bring her to the priest who would make her drink a toxic tonic. If innocent, all went well.
God gave instructions on the Nazarite vow. This person would dedicate a certain period of time to God and would not eat any form of grapes (skins, flesh, juice, raisin, etc.) or cut his hair. This person also could not go near any dead person, even a member of his family.
God gave a blessing to the people.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The test for adultery by a woman protected women from jealous husbands.

When Americans look at this text we are flummoxed. It makes no sense to us 1) why there would need to be a test and 2) why does the woman have to suffer? Because of this the text gets tossed into the "out there" pile. However, I want to provide a different view.
In the ancient world, a woman's worth was directly proportional to her ability to give birth to children. That is about all she had going for her. So if a man's wife cheated with another man the husband would never know if his children were truly his or not. If he wanted to have her condemned as an adulteress she would have no recourse. Ancient cultures would not consider women's accounts of events permissible in a court.  God's plan, however, stipulated that a man had to go to the priest first before having her stoned. This protected a woman in two ways: 1) a man would be too embarrassed to have his wife before the priest and then be found wrong and 2) she would be protected if she were innocent. God's test for adultery protected women in a way no human court could or would. The test in itself was made torturous both to prevent a man from putting his wife through it and prevent a woman from cheating on her husband.

The Nazarite vow is the closest thing people came to becoming a monk.

This vow would separate the man from everyone in social ways. He could not eat any form of grape—in essence, no alcohol. He could not be around a dead person. A person would only do this to dedicate a special time (or child as in John the Baptizer) for God.

God blessed His Chosen People

God is getting ready to transfer from law-giver to protector for a people on the move. So to bless them on their journey He put His Name upon them. And so today, I bless you as well in your journey through the Bible in a year.

God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you, God look you full in the face and make you prosper. (6:24-26, The Message)